When compiling a list of the most authentic, unique and not-to-miss Birmingham area attractions, Gates included a mix of the city's mainstays and some new, hotspots.

She couldn't leave out the likes of Vulcan Park & Museum, Sloss Furnaces or the Civil Rights Institute, Gates said.

Some out of the way places also made the cut.

One of Gates' favorites is a juke joint hosted in the backyard of Henry "Gip" Gipson's residence in Bessemer. Gip's Place is open every Saturday night.

"You go there and you walk down his driveway and you enter this magical place," Gates said. "(Gip) has these kicking bands back in his backyard. Gip will get you up and make you dance. It is a fun party."

Irondale Cafe, which was the inspiration for the cafe in Fannie Flagg's book "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, is a must-visit, according to Gates.

The Magic City Classic, she points out, is the longest-running annual face-off between the football teams of two historically black universities. The game along with corresponding tailgating and parties is the largest predominately African-American event in the country.

And, you can't get more Alabama than a barbecue joint in a gas station, Gates said. Butts-To-Go is located in Pell City.

Included on the list are also a few things Birmingham is known for perhaps only outside the city.

According to Gates, Alabama is ground-zero for Sacred Harp Singing - a more than 300-year-old choral tradition where young people are taught how to sight-read music.

Oak Mountain is famous (outside of the Birmingham area) for orienteering, she said. Orienteering is a race involving a map and compass.

Gates didn't forget the newbies either. Pizitz Food Hall in downtown and the speakeasy Marble Ring made the list.

With the book, Gates said she wanted to do her part to help improve the image of Birmingham.

"We need to look at our city as what it has become and not what it has been," she said. "Even the New York Times is writing about what a great scene Birmingham is."

Birmingham is home to ballet, opera and a symphony. "We have a lot of amenities that aren't normal for a city our size," Gates said.

Downtown once again has places to eat and drink and hear music, Gates said.

Gates has worked as a journalist for about 37 years. She was one of the first 50 employees at CNN. She has worked for Time magazine and The Guardian. Gates works as a commenter for Troy Public Radio and with Alabama Tourism to bring international, national and regional journalists to the state.

In 2009, Gates was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen.

Gates said she wouldn't want to live anywhere else but Birmingham.

"I have come back. I came back twice. They swear the iron ore gets into your veins and pulls you back. I feel that Birmingham is more real and more authentic," she said.